The Fall Arts Preview: The Better Angels

I get so bored when I hear people say, "There's nothing to do in Jackson." What's even more annoying is when those same people make claims that if they were "in … [insert larger city name here] …" they would have plenty to do. There may be bigger venues and more famous artists elsewhere, but come on … there are plenty of things to do and see right here in Jackson.

While it's clearly not New York, Jackson contains a flourishing artistic community—from visual arts to music and dance, and from literature to fine crafts. And like every city, our artists need support from the local community to survive and thrive. After all, if we don't support the arts locally, what future does our arts scene have?

According to Lawrence Quinn, a local muralist, there's certainly no lack of artists in the city, but a community of artists is difficult to come by. "It's like a cloud. When you try to put your hands on it, it dissipates," he says.

Part of the reason, he believes, is that Jackson is a "car town"—artists are spread out, and they have few chances to vibe with one another. Artists also tend to be solitary non-joiners, but with more and more events like Fondren's ARTMix, artists are becoming easier to find. On the first Thursday of each month from September to March, artists and others can gather in Fondren to display their work, and to develop relationships among themselves and potential patrons. Similar group and neighborhood venues are springing up all over the Jackson area, from the Belhaven Market's live music, to Clinton's Fall Fest and Pearl's Diamond 'n Pearl Art and Music Festival, you'll find more choices than ever, and it's great to see.

Sherman Nunn Abdur-Razzaq, lead drummer in the Afrocentrick Dance Ensemble, says that Jackson is fertile ground for artists to create important relationships. "As the diversity of Jackson and the state continues to grow, it's only natural that the cultural landscape (does too)," he says. Each time people are exposed to art, they are creatively and intellectually stimulated.

The Jackson area certainly has numerous venues for arts of all kinds, from museums and galleries, to its many music clubs and theatre troupes. You only have to look a little to find an art event to pique your curiosity.

Betsy Bradley, director of the Mississippi Museum of Art says, "Art invites you to have conversations with strangers about difficult issues."

For this reason, among others, David Keary, artistic director of Ballet Mississippi, agrees. "The arts continue to be important to our community, enriching both those who participate as audiences and those who perform on stage," he says.

Artists—both visual and performing—leave areas where they're not supported, often on the advice of others. Surely, you've heard someone say, "If you're going to be successful doing that, you're going to have to move." Maybe you've said it yourself. It's an outdated state of mind that we change each time we embrace the art available right here, and when we make concerted efforts to do even more.

Art can foster a sense of unity, not only for artists, but for everyone in the community. A prime example is the mural Quinn painted outside the historic Smith Robertson Museum. Before he began the project, there was concern that it might be defaced. He knew quickly after beginning work that it would be safe, because a small group of homeless men liked what the artist was doing. They promised him that they'd protect his work. There, art brought a sense of ownership, humanity and pride.

Art "adds a fingerprint to a city," Quinn says.

I wonder what Jackson's artistic fingerprint looks like from the outside?

Kathy Taylor, artist and high school art teacher, says: "For the (artistic) future in Mississippi to be bright, we have to make it known that art is not for an elite few. It is for everyone. Creative thought makes us better problem solvers, better legislators, better bricklayers (and) better surgeons—not just better artists."

So, Jackson, here are just some of the ways you can get those creative thoughts bubbling this fall. You and Jackson will be better off for it, we guarantee.

Attic Gallery 35th Anniversary Opening Reception, Fri., Oct. 6, 7 p.m. "35 Years in the Attic," a show created by 36 artists who have been connected to the gallery over the years. 1101 Washington St., Vicksburg. 601-638-9221.

Eudora Welty Library features "Figures and Forms in Nature" by Lori Felix during the month of October. 300 North State St. 601-968-5801.

Fondren ARTMix First Thursday each month, beginning Sept. 7. through March, 5-9 p.m. Sept. 7: Fondren is putting on its best for the first ARTMix of the season. Come out for food, fun, friends, and lots of great things to see and buy. 601-981-9606.

The Cedars "Mac and Andy at the Cedars," opening reception for 21 leading Gulf Coast artists who received this year's special Andy Warhol Foundation Grants, given to artists who lost their possessions in Hurricane Katrina. Sept. 21. 601-981-9606.

Ink Spot Gallery and Tattoo Parlor Capitol St., Downtown. "Tattoo Across America," by Jake la Botz. Boltz is a musician who tours shows in tattoo parlors in the U.S. and is making a documentary film out of the trip. Fri., Oct. 13. In late October, the gallery hosts Ink Spot Halloween Show, a costume party featuring art by gallery employees. Also, hosting a One Man Band Off, Nov. 1.

Millsaps College Lewis Art Gallery Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thir Floor, Millsaps Academic Complex. Anne Pearce, instructor of art and director of the Greenlease Gallery at Rockhurst University , will exhibit a new series of drawings, prints and mixed media on paper, through Sept. 22. 601-974-1431.

Millsaps Southern Circuit Documentary: "Learning to Swallow" Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Millsaps Academic Complex Room 215. Everyone knows an "It Girl"- the one who starts the party, who doesn't know when to stop, who wants it all. But what happens when the "It" overtakes the girl? Free. 601-974-1299.

Miss. HeARTS Against Aids and Fondren Theatre Workshop presents "Sordid Lives" by Del Shores As three generations of a family in a small Texas town gather for the funeral of their matriarch, we learn the hilarious, trashy truth of their "sordid lives." Cabaret-style show in Hal & Mal's Big Room, Sept. 21-23 and Sept. 28-30, 7:30 p.m. $20. 601-856-7743.

J. Lee Productions presents "Dangerously In Love" Sept. 29-30, at JSU, $20. True story centered on the tapestry of the couple Malika & JaCorie, whose relationship is put to the test once secrets from the past are revealed. 601-842-0010.

The Ink Spot hosts a One Man Band Off, Nov. 11 featuring art inspired by music and musicians.

Gluckstadt German Festival Sept. 24, 11-5 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Descendants of the early settlers of this community celebrate and share their German heritage with music, dance, games and foods of the Old Country. No ice chests or pets. Bring lawn chair/blanket. The last Sunday each Sept. 601-856-2054.

BET's Black College Tour stops at Jackson State Oct. 13. The tour was created to support historically black colleges by providing significant and provocative entertainment.Mississippi Opera presents Benjamin Britten's Noye Fludde at St. Richard's Catholic Church starring James Martin, Lester Senter and William Fulton. Oct. 6, 7 p.m. and Oct. 7, 3 and 7 p.m.

Ballet Mississippi and Encore Dance Theatre presents "The Nutcracker" Nov. 11 and 12 at Madison Square Center for the Arts, and on Dec. 8-10 at Thalia Mara Hall. Tickets and more information are available by calling 601-960-1560.